Surveyor sience

Question

You are a newly commissioned surveyor working for an established firm. You find that one of the principal of the firm is cutting corners and not performing proper research. You have serious concerns that his work is substandard and may not comply with the Standards.

a) How would you deal with the situation?

b) Would your response differ if the surveyor were a local competitor‘? If so, how?

c) If the NCPS Land Surveyors became involved, what processes are available?

Answer 1

Dealing with a situation where a principal in your firm is cutting corners and not performing proper research involves several steps and considerations. Here's how you might approach it:

a) How would you deal with the situation?

1. Document Your Observations:

   • Carefully document instances where you believe standards are not being met. Collect specific examples and evidence to support your concerns.

2. Internal Discussion:

   • Raise your concerns with the principal in a private, professional manner. Explain the specific issues and why you believe they may not comply with the Standards. Use your documentation as a reference.

3. Internal Escalation:

   • If the principal is unresponsive or dismissive, escalate the matter to higher management within the firm. Present your documented concerns and emphasize the potential risks to the firm’s reputation and legal standing.

4. Ethical and Professional Guidelines:

   • Refer to the ethical guidelines and professional standards set by relevant authorities, such as the National Council of Professional Surveyors (NCPS). Ensure your actions align with these guidelines.

5. Seek Advice:

   • Consult with a mentor or another trusted professional within the industry for advice on how to proceed. They might have experience with similar situations.

6. Anonymous Reporting:

   • If your firm has a system for anonymous reporting, consider using it to report your concerns without revealing your identity.

b) Would your response differ if the surveyor were a local competitor? If so, how?

If the surveyor were a local competitor, your approach would be somewhat different:

1. Documentation and Observation:

   • As with the internal scenario, document any instances of substandard work or non-compliance you observe.

2. Professional Conduct:

   • Avoid making public accusations without substantial evidence. Ensure that any actions you take are professional and ethical.

3. Regulatory Reporting:

   • Report your concerns to the appropriate regulatory body, such as the NCPS or local licensing board. Provide your documented evidence for them to investigate.

4. Avoid Defamation:

   • Be careful not to make statements that could be considered defamatory. Your goal should be to address potential breaches of standards, not to harm the competitor's reputation unjustly.

5. Industry Standards:

   • Promote adherence to industry standards by encouraging peers to maintain high ethical practices. This can be done through industry forums, meetings, or seminars.

c) If the NCPS Land Surveyors became involved, what processes are available?

If the National Council of Professional Surveyors (NCPS) becomes involved, they would likely follow a formal process to address the issue:

1. Filing a Complaint:

   • A formal complaint can be filed with the NCPS, outlining the specific concerns and providing evidence of the alleged substandard work.

2. Investigation:

   • The NCPS would initiate an investigation into the complaint. This may involve reviewing documentation, conducting interviews, and possibly performing site visits.

3. Hearing:

   • If the investigation finds sufficient evidence, a hearing may be conducted. Both the complainant and the surveyor in question would have the opportunity to present their cases.

4. Disciplinary Actions:

   • Depending on the findings, the NCPS may impose disciplinary actions. These could range from warnings and fines to suspension or revocation of the surveyor’s license.

5. Appeals Process:

   • The surveyor has the right to appeal any disciplinary action taken by the NCPS. An appeal would be reviewed by a separate panel to ensure fairness.

6. Education and Training:

   • The NCPS may also recommend or require additional training or education to address the deficiencies identified during the investigation.